✅ Current Requirements

1. EPC Requirements for Commercial Buildings

Every commercial building that is sold, newly let, or in many cases already let, must have a valid EPC issued.

2. Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES)

Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (MEES) for non-domestic property:

Since 1 April 2023, it has been unlawful to let (or continue to let) a commercial property with an EPC rating of F or G (unless a valid exemption applies).
Properties must also hold a valid EPC (even for existing leases) in many cases.

3. Exemptions

Exemptions apply in some cases — for example:

• Buildings requiring no EPC (very low-energy use industrial)
• Temporary buildings
• Very small standalone buildings (< 50 m²)
• Places of worship
• Some listed buildings

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

If a property does not meet the minimum standard (i.e., has F or G) and continues to be let, the landlord may face penalties. For example: fines up to £150,000 in serious cases, or public naming.

5. For Your Business

For your business (roofing, solar, energy procurement) this means that if you are advising or acting for commercial landlords/occupiers, you must check:

Whether the building has a valid EPC
Whether the EPC rating is at least E (for lettings post-2023)
Plan for future upgrade requirements

🔮 Future/Proposed Requirements

Although some of the future milestones are still under consultation rather than set in stone, the key milestones to monitor are:

2027

Minimum EPC Rating C

A proposed minimum EPC rating of C for let commercial buildings (or registration of an exemption).

2030

Minimum EPC Rating B

A proposed minimum EPC rating of B for let commercial buildings.

2025

Valid EPC Required (From 1 April 2025)

From 1 April 2025, landlords must ensure they hold a valid EPC for any letting (even if the lease continues) and should present the EPC in advance of enforcement windows.

Additional Compliance Windows Expected

In some analysis the validity period of EPCs may reduce (so reassessments more frequently) and the assessment methodology may change (to include more emphasis on building fabric, heating systems, low-carbon technology) which will impact retrofit investment.

⚠️ Implications & Risks for Your Sector

Given your company focuses on roofing, solar and energy procurement/management, here are some specific implications:

Building Upgrade Demand

Many commercial buildings will need upgrades (e.g., improved insulation/roofing, retrofit HVAC, lighting, controls, maybe solar + storage) to meet the future EPC C/B targets. The "asset value" of buildings with lower EPC ratings will be under pressure.

Timing is Critical

If landlords delay upgrades, they risk being unable to legally let their property after the threshold date or face large fines/public sanction. Proactive planning (e.g., doing works at tenant changeovers) is advisable.

Your Business Could Benefit

Solar installations, improved roofing/insulation, energy efficiency audits and retrofits will become more in demand. You can position yourselves as supporting clients/landlords to meet upcoming EPC/MEES thresholds.

Exemptions Still Apply

Claiming an exemption typically means demonstrating all cost-effective improvements have been done or that upgrading is unfeasible (because of building constraints). So you'll need data, retrofit plans, cost-effectiveness analysis.

Risk of "Stranded Assets"

Buildings with poor EPC ratings may drop in value, become unlettable or require large investment. According to the British Property Federation, 83% of commercial buildings in major UK cities have EPC below B, so the challenge is acute.

🧭 Practical Advice for Your Business and Clients

Here are steps you/your clients should consider:

Audit Current EPC Status

For any commercial building you work with, check the current EPC rating, expiry date, what improvements were recommended, whether any works were done, what retrofit potential exists.

Develop Upgrade Roadmap

Given the likely 2027/2030 targets, prepare a staged plan: short-term (today) improvements, medium term (before 2027), longer term (towards 2030) so that the asset is compliant ahead of enforcement.

Tie in Your Services

For roofing/solar/energy procurement:

Roof improvements/insulation will help improve fabric efficiency.
Solar PV (and possibly storage) helps reduce energy consumption/shift to lower-carbon sources (which will improve EPC).
Energy procurement & monitoring: improving operational performance, real consumption data, building controls will support higher EPC ratings and lower running costs.

Lease/Contract Alignment

For landlords: ensure lease terms align with energy efficiency obligations (green lease clauses, responsibilities for improvements). For occupiers: be aware of energy efficiency obligations and possible future costs/requirements.

Budget & Finance

Upgrading to meet C/B ratings may require significant capex. Consider available grants, green financing, or package deals (your solar/roofing business could help facilitate).

Monitor Government Policy Updates

Because the future minimum ratings (C by 2027, B by 2030) are still proposals, with potential consultation outcomes, it's vital to keep abreast of official regulation changes.

Communicate Benefits Beyond Compliance

Highlight to clients that better EPC ratings not only achieve legal compliance but may improve tenant attraction, reduce voids, reduce operating costs, and increase property value.

ERS Energy Blog

EPC Information for Commercial Premises